GFX Reconstruct
Capture. Replay. Debug faster.
GFXReconstruct is an open-source suite of tools for capturing and replaying GPU programming API calls (Vulkan, D3D12, and others). Record exact graphics command streams from your applications, then replay them deterministically on the same or different hardware for reliable debugging, testing, and optimization.
What is GFXReconstruct?
GFXReconstruct is a comprehensive graphics API capture and replay framework designed to record and reconstruct the behavior of applications that send commands to a GPU. It supports the Vulkan and Direct3D APIs and support for the OpenXR API is under development. It is used as the powerful underlying engine for GUI-based tools from Samsung, Arm, Google, and Qualcomm.
In capture mode, your application runs normally and sends all graphics API calls to the GPU as usual. Simultaneously, GFXReconstruct transparently records the calls, parameters, and state into a compact capture file.
Solve your toughest GPU debugging challenges
Graphics development is complex — intermittent bugs, hardware-specific issues, and long debug cycles can slow down your entire team. GFXReconstruct turns these frustrations into solvable, repeatable tasks with four core value propositions:
Fidelity
Capture and replay on the same device with visually identical results, giving you a high-fidelity, deterministic reproduction of the original workload.
Integrity
Optimizations and trimming preserve true application behavior, so you can trust every replay.
Portability
Replay captures across different GPUs, vendors, drivers, and platforms — even when memory layouts or hardware features differ.
Performance
Lightweight capture and fast replay keep your workflow interactive and efficient.
The Result
Dramatically reduced debugging time, faster iteration, better collaboration with driver teams, and more reliable graphics software.
Defect Reproduction & Debugging
Eliminate flaky, hard-to-reproduce visual artifacts, crashes, or rendering issues. Create a self-contained .gfxr file that anyone can replay — even without the original application.
API Usage Analysis
Inspect call frequencies, state changes, and resource usage offline to find inefficiencies or misuses.
Performance Profiling & Optimization
Isolate GPU workloads, pinpoint bottlenecks, and optimize critical sections without running the full app.
Regression Testing & Platform Bring-up
Validate drivers, new hardware, or code changes with consistent, repeatable test cases across platforms.
Built for Professionals
GFXReconstruct is built for graphics professionals who need precision and repeatability:
- Game & Application Developers — Debug rendering issues, optimize performance, and create reproducible test cases.
- Driver & GPU Engineers — Bring up new silicon, perform regression testing, and validate functionality across platforms.
- QA & Validation Teams — Automate regression testing with real workloads
- Hardware Vendors & Platform Teams — Build custom tools and profilers on top of a proven capture/replay engine.
- Researchers & Tool Builders — Extend the framework for new APIs or analysis tools.
Whether you’re shipping a AAA title, validating new hardware, or developing the next generation of graphics tools, GFXReconstruct is an indispensable GPU software development tool.
Designed and built by LunarG
LunarG is the architect, primary implementor, and ongoing maintainer of GFXReconstruct. We develop it in close collaboration with industry partners and contribute it as a free, open-source project.
GFXReconstruct integrates seamlessly into the Vulkan ecosystem—use it alongside validation layers for deeper insights or the Vulkan Configurator for easy layer management. Our ongoing development ensures broad API support, timely support for new features, and community-driven improvements.
Performance Analysis Tools Powered by GFXReconstruct
GFXReconstruct is the open-source graphics capture and replay engine that has become the foundation for next-generation GUI-based graphics tools. Now powering the performance analysis and debugging solutions from four major IHVs, GFXReconstruct provides GPU workload capture, high-fidelity replay, and detailed frame inspection—enabling silicon vendors and developers alike to accelerate graphics optimization and debugging across the ecosystem.
Ready to get started?
- Download GFXReconstruct as part of of the Vulkan SDK
- Utilize GFXReconstruct via an IHV tool:
- Samsung’s Sokotoa
- Arm’s Frame Advisor
- Google’s Android Performance Analyzer
- Qualcomm’s Snapdragon Profiler
- Download the latest version of GFXReconstruct
- Join the community: Contribute, report issues, or extend the framework
Dive into the “Mastering GFXReconstruct blog series:
Partner with LunarG to do impossible things.
We believe collaboration is one of the great benefits and opportunities of being part of the visual computing community, and our strength is in our shared expertise. While we focus on your GPU coding issues, you can focus on creating unforgettable visual experiences.
Together, we’ll unlock the full power and potential of today’s GPU’s to surpass your customers’ expectations.
